Mr. Fintan Slye:

First of all, before getting into individual questions I wish to make something clear. On the Grid West project, we looked at various options to deliver it overhead and underground, in line with the terms of reference set out by the independent expert panel chaired by Ms Justice Catherine McGuinness. We published the detailed assessment of both overhead and underground options earlier this year. We have engaged with some people in the local community on questions they raised. We have not progressed it further as we are awaiting the outcome of planning applications by some of the wind developers in the area that are in train. Members are probably aware that one of the wind farms that was to be developed by Coillte, the Cluddaun wind farm in north Mayo, was refused planning permission. The Oweninny development has been granted planning permission but the developers are looking to amend that permission. We have sought clarity from the developers. Obviously, we must await the outcome of their planning permission application before we can proceed with the project, in terms of the option that is most appropriate. In effect, the project is on hold pending clarification from the generation developers. The developers need to have clarity around the process they are undergoing with An Bord Pleanála. The situation is very different to that pertaining to Grid Link. While I am happy to answer questions on both, I am just pointing out that they are different and we should not conflate them.